Classical Period Flashcards
contrast of mood (Classical)
pieces have a wide emotional range and may go from sad and mellow to triumphant
rhythm (Classical)
flexibility, which adds variety(a classical piece may have a wide range of rhythms)
texture (Classical)
mostly homophonic (one main melody accompanied by chords)
melody (Classical)
very tuneful and easy to remember, can have simple folk tunes as basis for more elaborate works.
Sonata form (Classical)
the form of a single movement; three parts (I. exposition II. development III. recapitulation)
exposition
sets up a strong conflict between the tonic (home) key and the new key and between the first and second theme
bridge/transition
the new key in a movement; transitions to second theme
development
tension is heightened and often the most dramatic section of a movement.
recapitulation
first theme is reintroduced in the tonic key; brings resolution
coda
repeats themes or develops them further; further resolves a movement and always ends in tonic key
theme and variations
a central theme is repeated but each time with changes/variations
countermelody
new melody introduced to accompany an existing melody, creating a polyphonic texture.
minuet and trio
usually the third movement, originated as a dance
scherzo
similar to a minuet, in A B A form and triple meter but moves more quickly.
serenade
light in mood meant for evening enjoyment; small stringed orchestra
rondo form
a tuneful main theme (A) which returns several times in alternation with other themes. (ABACA, ABACABA)
sonata-rondo
contains a development section like that in sonata form and is outlined (ABA-development section-ABA),
symphony
extended composition typically lasting between 20 and 45 minutes; expanded exploitation of tone color and dynamics of the classical orchestra
concerto
three movement work for an instrumental soloist and orchestra
cadenza
showpiece for the soloist to perform
chamber music
designed for intimate setting of a room; small group of two to nine musicians
string quartet
two violins, a viola and a cello; usually four movements (1 fast 2 slow 3 minuet or scherzo 4 fast)
Joseph Haydn
(1732-1809) composed a huge number of pieces and was a pioneer in stringed orchestra and development of the symphony; pioneer of classical style; trumpet concerto, surprise symphony
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(1756-1791) Austrian child prodigy; masterpieces in all formats; just listen and see!
